Ashley Brown

Ashley Brown (born February 3, 1982 in Gulf Breeze, Florida) is an actress currently starring as the title character in the new Broadway production of Mary Poppins. Brown initially caught the attention of casting director Tara Rubin not long after graduating from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. After a successful audition, she was cast in the Disney touring production On the Record. This in turn led to her Broadway debut on September 20, 2005 replacing Brooke Tansley as the lead character, Belle, in the Walt Disney Theatrical-produced production of Beauty and the Beast. She departed the role on May 28, 2006 after eight months and she was succeeded by Sarah Litzsinger. On November 16, 2006, Mary Poppins opened on Broadway with Brown starring as the title character. Brown will reprise her role in the national tour of Mary Poppins beginning in March 2009. In March 2007, Brown appeared on All My Children as herself. Broadway National Tours The Muny (St.... full article at wikipedia